2011 Lexus CT 200h: First Drive
Remember the Lexus HS 250h that was introduced last year? Yes? Well kindly forget about it for the moment and reboot. Actually, consider it a full-on system crash and reinstall; all is well again and Lexus is back on track with what hybrid shoppers want.That's how we felt after spending part of a day driving Lexus' all-new hybrid, the 2011 Lexus CT 200h. It's an iconic, stylish, and actually quite fun-to-drive car, with Lexus levels of refinement; and from a short several-hour driving impression, it looks like it will deliver the sort of fuel economy that no-compromises Gen X and Gen Y buyers expect.
Take one even brief look up close at the CT, or look inside, and you'll find it isn't at all a hatchback version of the HS. Although there might be a few parts shared with the HS, it's essentially a different design—building on Prius goodness and moving forward with some other pieces and concepts from other Toyota/Lexus models and becoming a model that stands alone. Just to clear up any further confusion, the CT is not at all related to the European-market (Corolla-based) Aurus Hybrid, either. In profile, the CT is lower and more aggressive looking than you might imagine; the closest product to compare it to in size, profile, and styling cues is the MazdaSpeed3.
L-finesse meets hot hatch
The side profile of the new CT 200h is clean and neat, combining Lexus's flowing L-finesse design language—evident in the smoothly curved sheetmetal and gently arced back pillar—with a pert, even slightly aggressive hatchback profile. In front, the CT has a slightly scaled-down interpretation of the same Lexus front end and grille as the IS family, with even more modern, detailed headlamps with 'eyebrow' marker lamps and a chunky, low air dam, while in back the thin, tapered taillamps and sharp, roof-extended spoiler add a more aggressive look. Overall, the CT looks like a city-savvy hot hatch, ready to take on the Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI, or Speed3.
Colors are also quite adventurous for Lexus—including hues such as sparkly Daybreak Yellow Mica and Matador Red Mica tones, and light, glossy Starfire Pearl and Tungsten Pearl shades. The interior can be had in a stylish two-tone charcoal/caramel combination, along with several blacks and grays; upholsteries include a newly standard NuLuxe synthetic in Black, Ecru, or Caramel, with Black or Water Gray leather optional. Simple black, bamboo or ash burl wood, or metal trims complete the look.
Inside it's a different story; the CT is way more upscale in look and feel than any of those other non-luxury hatches, and it's less smooth and organic in design than the exterior. The instrument panel doesn't even vaguely resemble those of the Prius or Lexus HS; it's somewhat low-set, with horizontal creases and a thick center console—truly a hybrid interior design pairing a cockpit feel with an airy design. According to Lexus, there's an (upper) display zone, while most of the controls are relegated to the (lower) control zone that's part of the center console, jutting upward.
At least initially, the CT 200h Hybrid doesn't give a lot of hints that the driving experience is actually going to fit the CT's sporty promise. Just as in the Prius, the hybrid powertrain combines a 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 650-volt (battery peak 36-hp) electric motor system, altogether making 134 horsepower, and as you nudge the little Prius-style shift lever over and down to 'D' and get underway, it doesn't feel particularly energetic or pulse-raising. Learn to ignore the little Eco gauge and the not at all sporty protestations of the engine and put your right foot into it a little more, and it's more promising.
Just below the sound system there's a dial. Twist it to the left and you enter Eco mode, which has muted throttle responses and limits drive voltage (except under full throttle) to 500 volts. Press the controller to return to Normal, or if you're the target customer for the CT you'll probably like Sport mode, which reduces power-steering assist, provides a more aggressive tip in and throttle calibration, and brings a peak electric-motor boost of 650 volts even at partial throttle. If you're going to Sport, from Eco or Norm, the projected face of the analog Eco gauge at the left of the gauge cluster changes and it becomes a tachometer; and just to remind you, the color projected down onto the gauge cluster changes from blue to red.
Sport mode for a personality change
Actually, we recommend that if you're faced with open, curvy, or hilly roads—on a weekend outing, perhaps—you just skip straight to Sport mode, because it's there that the CT 200h just feels right.
Switch the CT over to Sport mode, and although we felt no real difference from normal on a steep grade it really does feel more eager when squeezing the throttle to ease into a gap in traffic, or taking off out of a tight corner. If you happen to be driving in Eco mode, the CT can feel downright sluggish out of a tight right-hander, as you wait for the intentionally lagged throttle response to kick in. Although Eco might help hypermiler types get better mileage, we suspect that other drivers will simply press harder on that gas.
Lexus has said that the CT takes just under ten seconds to get to 60 mph (slightly faster than the Prius). Yet somehow it feels even a bit faster than that—perhaps due to, at least in Sport mode, how quick the hybrid system can be with transitions.
Substantively, engaging Sport mode also enables a performance calibration for the traction and stability control; we noted the difference between modes on a tight side-road right-hander; we floored the accelerator out of a tight, low-speed corner first in Normal, then in Sport. While the inside front wheel squealed loose both times, we noted that Sport mode doesn't break momentum in the same way by cutting engine power.
During most of our few hours and 120-plus miles with the CT, we drove in Sport mode; there, thanks to the earlier electric boost and more aggressive tip-in it almost feels like a sporty-handling hatchback with a larger-displacement four.
(more...)2011 Dodge Avenger Preview
It might look like the Charger's little brother--in a way, it is--but the 2011 Dodge Avenger is seeking an identity all its own this time around. Going after the mid-size sedan segment with an aggressive style and fun-to-drive appeal, Dodge is pitching the new Avenger as something beyond your average midsize sedan.
As with so many other new Dodge vehicles, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is now an option, rated at 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Those not looking for so much power, and perhaps a little more efficiency, can opt for the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine. The suspension is also re-worked for 2011, with 26 of 30 suspension bushings replaced or upgraded. An inch wider track gives more stable-feeling cornering, and 12-millimeter lower front and 6-millimeter lower rear ride heights reduce body roll and improve aerodynamics.
New exterior stylng smooths out the kinks and curves of the previous Avenger, with a new front fascia centered on the Dodge "split crosshair" grille, while new lower side skirts finish off the new look.
It's the interior where the new Avenger really shines, however. Using materials and design lessons learned in the extensive redesign of sister brand Jeep's Grand Cherokee, the 2011 Avenger gets an all-new instrument panel, bezels, and steering wheel with ugpraded seats, improved upholstery, and several new two-tone color schemes.
Better attention to fit-and-finish, more soft-touch elements, and integrated controls on te wheel make access to the technology on board that much easier. Speaking of technology, the 2011 Avenger features optional USB, voice phone commands, Bluetooth, iPod/MP3 input, navigation, and more.
The 2011 Dodge Avenger will hit showrooms sometime during the fourth quarter of this year
[Dodge]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Preview
As Dodge continues to work its way through its updated 2011 lineup, we're beginning to see a trend in the new styling of the now truck-free brand, and it relies heavily on the split-crosshair grille. The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, unveiled this morning, is no different--though it is different from last years model in a number of ways.
First, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan gets an all new powertrain centered around the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Paired with a six-speed automatic, the new combo replaces a multitude of options from last year, including the 3.3-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6 engines.
Power in the Grand Caravan application is now 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet, upgrades of 86 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque over the previous work horse for the Grand Caravan, the 3.8-liter V-6. But it's not all about power--efficiency is considered too. A new programmable transmission lets the driver flip a switch to go from fuel-saving to power modes, while a 12-millimeter lower ride height, lower rolling resistance tires, and a new spoiler reduce drag on the minivan.
New looks include a new front fascia that highlights the Dodge grille, a new hood, quad headlamps, and "ring of fire" LED tail lights to give the 2011 Grand Caravan a much fresher look, unified with the rest of the 2011 Dodge lineup.
Inside, a heavily redesigned interior sports a one-piece instrument cluster, a "super" center console with lots of space and a pass-through space for larger items. More premium materials are used throughout, and the Stow 'n Go seats are now larger and easier to use thanks to a one-touch fold-down button.
With four trims available, the Caravan will be available to fit any lifestyle, with the "Man Van" Grand Caravan R/T due out next spring.
The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan will be arriving in showrooms later this year.
[Dodge]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
The TCC List: 12 Cars With Roll-Up Windows
You might be swayed to spend a lot of money on new-car features--but if you're cheap or scare easily at the thought of big repair bills, can you still get manually operated wind-up windows?
Sure you can. It's becoming ever more uncommon, but even though power windows are almost ubiquitous in new cars sold in America, some vehicles still start out with roll-ups.
Most new vehicles come with power windows for good reason: cost. It seems odd, but installing wind-up windows could actually be more expensive in some vehicles. It's less complex, and therefore cheaper, to toss them in instead of deleting them, which would mean new door panels and new mechanisms and new engineering.It's only a difficult choice in the very least expensive new cars, or in some ultra-high-end exotica where automotive anorexia is a good thing.
So if you're a Luddite, or hate things breaking, or just want to scrimp in every way possible on your new car, more than a dozen new cars will fit your peculiar bill. The break-over point lies somewhere between subcompacts and compacts, though. Anything larger, and you'll be clicking a switch, instead of winding a lever, to get some fresh air.
These 12 vehicles still offer manual windows as standard equipment, though all of them can be optioned up into the modern era:
Chevrolet Aveo: In the final year of life, the base Aveo still comes with wind-up windows.
Chevrolet Cobalt: Its replacement comes with standard power windows, but some 2010 Cobalt sedans go the manual route.
Ford Fiesta: It's a party inside and out, but you'll need to roll down the windows yourselves.
Ford Focus: In its last year of production, the old Focus has a wind-up-window model--and so does the new 2012 version.
Hyundai Accent: The base Accent comes with wind-up windows only.
Kia Rio: You can get power features on higher-spec models, but base cars will need elbow power.
Kia Forte: The highly-rated Forte sedan skimps on the switches in its base form.
Nissan Versa: No Versa 1.6 sedan can be equipped with power windows.
Smart Fortwo: Pure coupes omit power windows.
Toyota Corolla and Matrix: Manual windows are standard on the base versions of the Corolla sedan.
Toyota Yaris: Power windows are an option on the base Yaris sedan.
And frankly, you might be surprised that these vehicles can't be had with roll-ups:
Chevrolet HHR and Chrysler PT Cruiser: These fleet specials get power windows, even in commercial versions
Honda Fit and Honda Civic: The competition cuts power features on base models, but all Hondas have power windows.
Mazda2: The similar Ford Fiesta does with wind-up windows on some versions, but all Mazda2 hatchbacks are power-windowed.
Mazda MX-5 Miata and Porsche Boxster Spyder: You'd think two essential sports cars with light weight as a selling point could do without, but the Spyder and Miata have power windows.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
GM Expanding in Michigan for 2013 Cadillac ATS
GM is expanding an assembly plant in Michigan, where it will build the new small 2013 Cadillac ATS.
The Detroit News reports a formal announcement will come today for the expansion. GM will invest $190 million in its Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan, and will add 600 workers to accommodate the new product.
GM hasn't confirmed that the ATS is the product to be added to the Grand River site.
The 2013 ATS will be the new entry-level Cadillac, slotting beneath the CTS. By the time the ATS arrives late in 2012, the Cadillac sedan lineup will include the ATS four-door (and possibly a hatchback version), a revamped CTS, and the 2013 Cadillac XTS, a front- or all-wheel-drive large sedan to be built in Oshawa, Ontario.
Grand River Assembly now builds the CTS lineup and the SRX crossover.
The ATS is being developed with European markets specifically in mind. Cadillac has offered a BLS model in Europe, but the lightly reskinned version of the Saab 9-3 sold poorly and was discontinued as GM prepared to sell off the Saab division.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
TCC Tip: How To Drive Safely At Night
Some of us spend too much time there as it is, but with daylight-savings time drawing to an end on November 7, we're all going to be in the dark, earlier and more often.
Is that dangerous? A new survey says that's a daunting prospect to many drivers--and finds that some skip driving entirely at night out of fear.
The light-bulb experts at Sylvania, along with KRC Research, polled more than a thousand adults last month and found that more than half of them wished they could see the road ahead better at night. Almost 1/5th of those polled also said they've avoided driving at night, over concerns with vision and visibility.
By the firms' calculations, that's 37 million people missing out on nighttime fun behind the wheel, with half of that number being people under 55 years old, when their vision shouldn't be cutting into driving.
Being afraid of driving in the dark is also more common with women: 24 percent of women, versus 12 percent of men, reported staying home instead of venturing out after dusk.
Short of arming yourself with klieg lights and miles of reflective tape, what can you do to make yourself more at ease with nighttime driving? Our round-the-clock editors came up with five ways to get more comfortable--and more safe--when you're driving after hours:
Make sure your headlights are working properly. It's a safety concern and a legal one, too, but it's also common sense. If you're running on one lamp or less, swap out the faulty one(s) with the correct replacement--or even one with a little more candlepower.
Make sure your headlights are clean and properly aimed. We've seen some amazing compounds that will remove the muck and swirls of age from plastic headlight covers. We've also seen drivers smack their heads in recognition when they've aimed their headlights properly and realized one-up, one-down lights don't do anyone any good. Aim the nose at a wall, turn on the lights, and look under the hood, near the headlight assembly for adjusters if you're out of line.
Use your high beams more often--but responsibly. Some of our fellow drivers seem afraid of inflicting mortal wounds with their high beams. You can flick them on (the lights, not the drivers) on interstates if you're far enough behind the cars ahead. Don't be lazy with the switch; you paid for it, use it.
If you're shopping for a new car, look for the latest technology. Some vehicles like the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have automatic high beams, active-cornering headlamps and LED headlights. If you're on the frightened end of the night-driving spectrum, these features could be your automotive Xanax.
Dim all the lights--and the distractions. Setting your car's ambient and interior lighting to lower levels will increase the visual contrast to the road ahead. While you're at it, stow the iPhone in the console, keep the radio at a softer volume, and don't take phone calls--because distractions aimed at one sensory organ can interfere with another.
You can't control nature at work, but by adjusting your car and your driving habits, you can cut the risk of becoming a night-time statistic.
[Photo: JohnTrainor]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Sport Packages Amp Up 2012 Ford Focus
The 2012 Ford Focus might be one of the most eagerly awaited new small cars in a long while--particularly the 240-hp Focus ST--and Ford is upping the handling anticipation with the announcement of handling packages for the top two Focus trim lines.
The automaker says both the Focus SE and the Titanium models will be offered with a sport package with performance upgrades. On the SE, the Sport Package adds new 16-inch wheels, sport seats, rear disc brakes, a blacked-out grille and a five-speed manual gearbox. Four-door SE models also get a spoiler; those with the dual-clutch PowerShift transmission will have manual gear selection available through the shift lever, though steering-wheel paddles are still in the offing. The Sport versions will carry a 17-inch wheel option.
For the Titanium model, which comes out of the manufacturing box with a sport-tuned suspension, Ford will offer a Handling Package that upgrades to 18-inch wheels and summer performance tires.
All Focus versions, sedans and hatchbacks, will have electric power steering and a degree of torque-vectoring control, which means clever programming will be able to shift power between the front wheels to tighten cornering responses.
Ford promises shoppers that Focus pricing will go live on the Ford Web site this week, complete with a car-configurator tool. Sales of the new 2012 Focus won't begin until late spring, though.
For more on specifications, pricing, photos and related news, cruise over to our 2012 Ford Focus page.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2005-2007 Acura RL, Honda Odyssey Recalled For Brake Leaks
Honda will recall 470,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to an issue that could cause brake-fluid leaks—leading to the loss of braking power.
In the affected vehicles—2005-2007 Honda Odyssey and Acura RL models—if any fluid other than the original brake fluid is used in the system, a seal in the brake master cylinder can leak, resulting in Honda says that there have not yet been any accidents connected to the issue.
If this sounds familiar, it is. It's the same issue that prompted Toyota to recall 1.5 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles globally this week, including 740,000 in the U.S. Honda and Toyota had used the same supplier for the components: Advics Company, in Japan.
Although the automaker hadn't yet issued any information regarding the recall effort, it's suspected that the fix will compare to what Toyota and Lexus offer—involving a redesigned brake master cylinder cup.
Honda told several news outlets that a brake fluid warning light would illuminate before there's any braking performance loss; and if owners do see that warning light, they should take their vehicle to a dealership immediately.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Chinese-Made Cars Edge Closer to the United States, Via GM
The U.S. auto industry has long feared an onslaught of cheap cars from Chinese brands like Chery, Geely, and BYD.
But it's more likely that established global automakers will be the first ones to bring Chinese-made cars to the Americas.
The United States market poses tricky political problems for selling a Chinese-made car, but that hasn't stopped General Motors from exporting a Chinese model to South America.
Yesterday, Shanghai GM--a joint venture between the Chinese SAIC Motor Corp. and General Motors--sent the first Chevrolet New Sail models to Chile. The model, introduced last January, costs as little as $8,500 in China. The company plans to offer it in other South American countries, as well as northern Africa and some Middle East countries as well.
The Chevy New Sail is "the first locally developed and manufactured passenger car from an international brand to be exported," said Terry Johnsson, Shanghai GM vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, calling the car a "breakthrough" in the company's strategy to export products originally designed for the Chinese market.
Honda was the first global automaker to export a Chinese-made model: It began sending Honda Fit subcompacts to certain left-hand-drive European markets (where it is sold as the Jazz) in June 2005.
And the U.S. arrival of those cheap cars from Chinese makers? It may be a long time coming.
The Chinese auto market--already the largest in the world--is growing rapidly, with pent-up demand from families and an emerging middle class who view vehicles as a status symbol. Local carmakers may find it easier and more profitable to satisfy booming demand at home than to export halfway around the world.
Unlike English, German, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers before them, the domestic market may be more than large enough to satisfy the lofty growth aspirations of Chinese automakers.
Moreover, the U.S. car market is the most challenging in the world. Selling cars in the U.S. would be prestigious for a Chinese brand, but sky-high consumer expectations for quality, durability, and maintenance intervals, combined with fearsome safety and emissions regulations, make entering the U.S. a huge and costly challenge.
With first-time car buyers in China unlikely to be particularly critical or discerning, and seemingly limitless growth at home, Chinese makers may decide the U.S. market is one they can ignore for a while--if not completely.
[Reuters]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Feds: Millions Of Fords Recalled For Fire Risk Haven’t Been Fixed
Millions of Ford Motor Co. [NYSE:F] vehicles covered by a recall for faulty cruise-control switches haven't yet been fixed, warns the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The federal agency this week issued a repeat caution concerning millions of vehicles—some of them up to 18 or 19 years old—potentially affected by the defect, which could cause vehicles to catch fire even when turned off and unattended.
Ford has recalled about 17.5 million vehicles in all, over many years and several separate recall expansions, to replace the switches, but NHTSA is concerned that not enough of them have been fixed.
The agency estimates that "there may be several million vehicles still on the road with the dangerous defect."
The newest vehicles covered by the recalls include the 2004 Ford F-150 Lightning, and Ford F-150 and Excursion models through 2003. A number of other models running through the 2002 model year are covered (see below).
NHTSA made clear that Ford was not to blame for the fact that so many of the vehicles remain unfixed: "Ford Motor Company has been diligent in contacting owners of the affected vehicles, including sending re-notification letters
to owners in many cases," they said in a release.
The federal agency is concerned that as more of these vehicles enter the used market, shoppers won't be aware as to whether or not the repair was ever done. To check if the vehicle you've purchased or are thinking of getting is affected by the recall—and if it's been fixed yet—go to http://www.ford.com/owner-services/customer-support/recall-information.
"Possible warning symptoms include a cruise control system that can't be activated or stops working; brake lights that stop working; low brake fluid; ABS and brake warning lights that are illuminated on the dashboard; or the inability to get a vehicle out of park."
Here's the full list of vehicles affected by the recall:
1992-2003 Ford E Series (all including Econolines)
1992-1998 Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis / Lincoln Town Car
1993-2003 Ford F-Series (150-550)
2003-2004 Ford F-150 Lightning
2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood
1993-1997 Ford F-Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
1999-2003 Ford F-Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
1993-1995 Ford Taurus SHO
1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993-1996 Ford Bronco
1994-2002 F53 Motorhome
1994 Mercury Capri
1995-2003 Ford Ranger
1995-2002 Ford Explorer
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport & Sport Trac
1995-2002 Mercury Mountaineer
1995-2003 Ford Windstar
1997-2002 Ford Expedition
1998-2002 Lincoln Navigator
1998-2002 Mazda-B-Series
2000-2003 Ford Excursion
[NHTSA]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
